Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections with a Person Who Has Dementia by Nancy D. Pearce

From the Publisher

Featured in Library Journal's "Best Consumer Health Books of 2007", Inside Alzheimer's shows that there is a person inside Alzheimer's and any of the other dementias-a person, just like the rest of us. We each need to be heard, seen, valued, and appreciated by another human being-to feel a part of the flow of the intangible gifts of humor, wisdom, and understanding found in the person-to-person connection. The disease, no matter how progressed, does not alter the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes from being in vital relationship with others, but the person's opportunity for connection lessens, usually because we presume it too difficult or impossible.

The core teaching of this book is that creating opportunities for moments of connection with persons with dementia is basic compassionate and transformational care. When I can hear and appreciate the person's wisdom or see a gesture that weaves me into his world, or enjoy a moment of mutual spontaneous emotion, we both move beyond isolation and hopelessness. Each of us is empowered forward to grow.

Inside Alzheimer's offers over 20 years of the author's experience and tells how dozens of persons with dementia and their sharing of wisdom, humor and life's teachings led Ms. Pearce to the six basic principles of connection-how one person connects with another: Intend a connection, Free yourself of judgment, Love, Open to receive love, Silence and Thankfulness. Case studies and exercises are provided for internalizing these principles which have empowered hundreds of family, friends, and professionals to create moments of connection with persons, regardless of how advanced the dementia.

Susan Bethany - Midwest Book Review

Written by medical social worker Nancy Pearce, Inside Alzheimer's . . . is an uplifting guide for anyone whose friends or loved ones suffer from various stages of dementia . . . Highly recommended as guideline, aid, comfort, and inspiration.

Laura Munion - ForeWord Magazine

. . . Inside Alzheimer's is a practical, conversational guide for those new to the disease, as well as advice and techniques for seasoned professionals . . . .[This book] helps families and caregivers better understand individuals with Alzheimer's through love, acceptance, and communication.

Elizabeth M. Wavle - Library Journal

One of the most devastating consequences of Alzheimer's disease for patients and their caretakers is the inevitable loss of the ability to communicate and form connections. In her first book, Pearce-a medical social worker with more than 20 years of experience working in long-term healthcare and hospice settings-reminds readers that there is a person inside Alzheimer's and other dementias who needs to be heard, seen, valued, and appreciated. Writing for family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and those who want to form and maintain meaningful connections with dementia patients, Pearce teaches her six principles of connection: intend a connection, free yourself of judgment, love, be open to being loved, silence, and thankfulness. Each chapter includes stories and anecdotes about people with Alzheimer's and ends with a summary and exercises for "working it out." Including resources and filled with practical wisdom, this groundbreaking, transformational, and informative book is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.

What People Are Saying

Virginia Bell
"Nancy Pearce makes being with persons with dementia seem natural as she helps each one continue to participate in life as fully as possible . . . This is a must read for all who work or spend time with persons with dementia."--(Virginia Bell, MSW, coauthor of, The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care)

Judith Davagnino
"Inside Alzheimer's is beautifully written . . . in an easy to follow format . . . with examples and storytelling [that] make it very entertaining without taking away the insightfulness. Ms. Pearce gives a different dimension to the exhausting and very often overwhelming task [of providing] care . . . and shows that connection is possible, no matter how debilitated and compromised the person. The book, however, is beyond making connections with these persons-it is universal. In my opinion, the paradigms stated in the book are applicable to . . . all encounters we want to be meaningful. Wouldn't this world be a much happier place if we all intended true connections with each other? I will be recommending this book to everyone!!!"--(Judith Davagnino, coauthor of When Your Loved One has Dementia: A Simple Guide for Caregiver Reviews)

Jan Dougherty
"Inside Alzheimer's provides evidence, through a variety of stories, that people with dementia are filled with possibilities for connection and meaning. Nancy Pearce provides both family and professional caregivers some valuable tips and strategies for hearing the person who has dementia. The stories will resonate with many readers and bring joy, tears, and increased awareness of the possibilities we each can bring in order to honor the person."--(Jan Dougherty, RN, MS, Director of Family and Community Services, Banner Alzheimer's Institute)

Maribeth Gallagher
"Inside Alzheimer's . . . celebrates the hidden potential discovered when we consciously focus on the person's remaining abilities instead of his/her deficits. Through simple steps and inspiring case studies, Nancy demonstrates how we can all help persons with dementia transcend the seeming boundaries of the disease to experience profound moments of beauty, meaning, dignity, laughter and love. Thank you Nancy for affirming, renewing and energizing my efforts to optimize quality of life for persons with dementia."--(Maribeth Gallagher, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Dementia Program Director, Hospice of the Valley)

Kay W. Davidson
"I think that this book can be very helpful to family, friends and professional caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementia patients. Ms. Pearce provides wonderful examples of making connections to all kinds of people in very varied circumstances . . . [and] makes a strong case that intentions and freeing oneself from assumptions are keys to openness to connection. I expect the book to be very much appreciated by people struggling to make or maintain their connections to people with dementia."--(Kay W. Davidson, DSW, Dean and Professor, School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Family member of a person with dementia)

Product Details